January Is a Good Month for ‘July’

Although there was a general drop in business during the first post-Holiday weekend, film industry analysts say January is developing into a strong month for movie exhibitors. Oliver Stone’s “Born on the Fourth of July” held onto its No. 1 spot, grossing $8 million, down 25% from the previous weekend’s business. “The War of the Roses” clung to second with a $5.7 million weekend and “Tango and Cash,” a surprisingly strong performer given its scathing reviews, once again finished third, running its 24-day total to $38.6 million. Mike Figgis’ super-violent “Internal Affairs,” about the investigation of a corrupt Los Angeles cop, opened well with $5 million at 975 theaters.

* Ed Zwick’s Civil War drama, “Glory,” expanded from 8 to 392 screens across the nation where it averaged a strong $7,653.

WEEKEND BOX OFFICE

Weekend Gross/ Screens/ Weeks in Movie (Studio) Total (millions) Average Release 1. “Born on the Fourth of July” $8 1,315 3 (Universal) $23.8 $6,105 2. “The War of the Roses” $5.7 1,559 5 (Fox) $61 $3,656 3. “Tango and Cash” $5.4 1,556 3 (Warner) $38.6 $3,470 4. “Internal Affairs” $5 975 1 (Paramount) $5 $5,128 5. “Always” $4.2 1,162 3 (Universal) $26.1 $3,614 * “Glory” $3 392 4 (Tri-Star) $3.7 $7,653

SOURCE: Exhibitor Relations Co.